The Differences Between Gender And Gender Roles

Gender role expectations are inescapable in our society as we naturally tend to sort humans into categories, the easiest one being gender. Upon first meeting a person, most people automatically classify the other’s gender. With this classification come the inevitable gender role expectations. Even for those who consciously try their hardest not to cloud their perceptions of others based on “traditional” gender role expectations, it is almost impossible not to subconsciously succumb to these expectations that are ingrained in our minds virtually since the day we are born. These expectations often influence how one interacts with another. This is especially important when taking into consideration the effects that gender socialization of children through gendered toys, media, and parental affects child development.

Men collectively choose to receive psychological help less than their women counterparts. The sex distinction in help-seeking behavior occurs even when both women and men are equally afflicted. If male help-seeking behavior is to be increased, the reason for its neglect must be considered. Increasing our awareness of factors that may deter men from exploring psychological guidance may help in accessing reluctant men, allowing them to see past their preconceived ideology of masculinity.

Most married couples can develope a share of understanding about who does what in the relationship. Sometimes it can be unspoken recognitions of the division of labor and the responsibilities. A plan for marriage is equally shared between chores and plenty of other duties. Throughout history, gender roles have been changing and the plans are not followed anymore than it has been. We live in a world where no one is perfect. There are different people where they have different beliefs. In 1848 women had no rights until the 1920s. Women and men always had the same rolls through the years. Men always made the decisions and worked while the women would stay home and do house duties. The men always had to respect the women and their children unless they disobeyed their rules. Although there are divisions of labor between the human affairs, there can be changing in social expectations, which can be reflected in different gender roles at many different times.

Gender roles play an important role in society whether it is for good or for bad. These roles have been placed in society since the beginning of time. The term gender is socially created and it therefore categorizes men from women. How is gender defined, and what makes it different from the term sex? “…sex refers to the biological characteristics that distinguish women and men: sex chromosomes, reproductive organs, sex-specific hormones, and physical characteristics…Gender… refers to the social and cultural characteristics that distinguish women from men” (Cherlin, 2008, p. 81-82). The terms sex and gender are sometimes used interchangeably, although there is a clear distinction between the two. Gender is known to be socially constructed and is learned through social interactions and through the influences of the people around us. Gender roles are therefore sets of behaviors that are considered appropriate or acceptable for a man and for a woman, exclusively. These roles are socially created as well. For example, men play football and women play volleyball. Gender neutrality on the other hand is a term that is trying to push out these socially constructed roles. “Gender neutral language and gender inclusive language aims to eliminate (or neutralize) reference to gender in terms that describe people” (Gender, 2015). As the word indicates, gender neutrality refers to the idea that all genders should be equal and that all genders must have the same opportunities without

Gender roles are social and behavioral norms that are considered generally appropriate for a man or a woman. America, as some describe it, is the land of great and equal opportunities for all, but the fact is that women are somewhat degraded and reduced to stereotypical gender roles such as being seen as only house wives instead of working, active women. Gender roles, he strong views of how a man and a woman are supposed to act, work, and live all still exist in our day to day lives. They are deeply embedded to most cultures.In some cultures it is so strong that, in certain circumstances, a man could control a woman's life because of the deep beliefs in the pre-modern gender roles.

The instant a human being is born, he or she is prepped to adhere and fulfill a certain gender role that concurs with the social perception within a particular culture. Therefore, a person is placed into one of the two categories, masculine or feminine, according to his or her sex that predetermines which behaviors and attitudes he or she is to acquire and; more importantly, to display. Consequently, taught gender roles are directly correlated to an individual’s social and cultural standards as well as expectations. Moreover, in many cases, family, school and media are all contributing factors that instill and nurture specific gender socializations and; therefore, seldom encourage gender equality.

Social norms are the concept that society sees as being the customary expectations anticipated of people in their culture. They range from the everyday activities of smiling at strangers to the expectancy of how children will conduct themselves based upon their sex. This expectancy is known as gender roles. Gender roles can be seen by the image provided by Miss Representation (1). Miss Representation depicts two concepts, the first picture is of Barbie commonly known for being one of the most popular toys for little girls, and the second picture is of G.I. Joe which is also known for being one of the most popular toys but for little boys. From the very beginning of children’s lives they are forced into a set gender, usually by their parents or other guardians. This is seen when babies wear pink for girls and blue for boys, boys play with trucks and girls play with dolls, etc. This type of conforming can be detrimental to a child’s development because they are being forced to imitate actions and beliefs that they may not naturally

Unfortunately, young girls and boys are given very different ideas of expectations, guidelines and messages about their genders, which cause strain and hierarchies for both genders. When playing, girls are more likely to play with toys that are neutral or considered masculine, and usually not be bullied or negatively judged to a serious extent. Young males experience a very strict set of expectations that if not followed, they receive negative life consequences and negative reinforcement, such as bullying. “If a boy chooses activities or actions that are feminine it is punishable by disapproval by peers, family, and society” (O’Brien et al, 2000). As young as preschool age, boys are more likely to choose toys and activities that are ‘masculine’ and they begin to exhibit a strict belief in typical boy-like gendered behavior. Apart from parents, peer and one’s friend group influence a major part in the gender role development throughout all stages of adolescence. Around the age there is often an increase in this behavior. “Starting from age five, boys tend to mingle within a crowd, and take part in group activities, whereas, girls prefer solitude or small groups of two or three people” (Santrock, 2009). They develop a strong sense of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior and activities for their sex and opposite sex. “The practice of introducing stereotypes and gender roles early in life causes sexism, aggression, gender role conflict, and a new generation of people

Psychologically defined, the term androgyny is used to describe and individual that presents both male and female traits equally and simultaneously. Whilst this individual is assigned one biological gender at birth, their own personal gender identity does not fit neatly into either the male or the female gender role of their society.

Gender expectations have developed throughout several generations, slowly becoming more and more unreachable. A woman is expected to act one way, and a man is to act the opposite. The rules, that are expected to be followed, have been set by people who neglect their own family and friends in order to enforce their opinions onto someone who wishes to fill the shoes of the opposite gender, or take on the opposite role as part of their identity. Gender roles have begun to take over the lives of children who are at the age of impressionability. These expectations have reached the point of guiding the color of the package on a childrens toy to one gender, and putting the same product on the shelves, the only difference being the color that is typically for one gender or the other.

The pressures to conform can be seen in the early ages of children (Brinkman, 2012). For example, when a child was alone, they decided to play with toys that were gender ‘inappropriate’. Once another child came in, the child played with toys that were specific to their gender; they know about the consequences of not picking the correct toy. Positive reinforcements were given to a child if they conformed to a gender. Stepping ‘outside’ the box is or what is considered as feminine or masculine traits is easier for one gender than the other. The word tomboy describes a girl who has masculine characters, but it is hard for a boy to show feminine characteristics.

Gender puts people into categories, and within these categories, they must conform to specific set of rules and norms. Gender in society causes people to tick off a box of either male or female. Although, non-binary is now slowly becoming accepted by some groups and individuals, society as whole has yet to fully included the identity into the picture. According to society, females are domesticated, have the role of being a nurturer, being graceful and submissive, and taking care of the family and home. On the other hand, males are dominant, they have a role as a protector and provider. I will argue about how gendered expectations limit human potential, as it causes individuals to take on roles, that may reflect who they are.

The contemporary American society is fast paced and changing every second. Advancements in technology are growing day by day, and the exposure of groundbreaking medical discoveries are causing an uprising in the age-old battle of the sexes. Parents are now capable of choosing the sex of their child, and studies show that having a girl is more favorable. The stray away from traditional gender codes, which are socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes given to either gender, have caused a change in thinking amongst parents. These codes place females as being more vulnerable, emotional, and generally performing domestic work, while males are identified with dominance and authority along with being a provider. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both genders, modern society proves that the benefits of being a female outweigh those of a male. Women today are thriving in the educational system, the work force, and biologically by having desirable characteristics that are giving them the edge up above men. They are breaking the gender codes and proving themselves in society as to why being a female is the key to success.

Over the years men and women have been given gender roles that they are pressured to follow. According to Amy Blackstone, “gender roles are based on the different expectations that individuals, groups and societies have of individuals based on their sex…” (2003). In other words, gender roles are social norms and expectations, created and accepted by society, based on a person’s gender. There have been different gender roles throughout the different time eras and in some eras the gender roles have been strongly enforced. Today, many people believe that gender roles do not really exist in society anymore; however the pressure on gender roles given by society is present now more than ever, even if it is subtle. Individuals are still given expectations by society based on their gender. For boys or men, they are expected to be more masculine, aggressive and strong, while women or girls on the other hand, are expected to be feminine, calm, friendly and caring (Wood, 1994). These gender roles given by society to men and women must be removed because they do not allow a person to express their identity.

Famed English Poet and Writer William Shakespeare once said “all the world a stage, and all men women merely players ” Theatrical yet fitting worlds. Each us of Man, women and child is given a part to play, a role to fill in our society. These roles are based on a great many factors, Age, Race, Education, even height and weight, yet of all these factors, none weighs quite so heavily as Gender. From our earliest days men and women are taught to adhere to a code of conduct and behavior based on their sex. How to speak, how to think and what to wear, even how to walk and what colors are appropriate to wear. All should adhere to prescribed list of approved conduct. But what effect do these Gender role have on us as people and in particular how do these roles affect the must impressable of us? How does it affect both our maturation as people and the lives we will lead? That is the subject of Doctor’s, Olaiya E. Aina and Petronella A. Cameron in their work, “Why Dose Gender Matter?” It is their argument that, quite frankly Gender matters a great deal and is that, separate handling and conditioning based on solely on Gender has much wider ranging and quite often detrimental effects of both little boys and girls.